German Lawmakers to Vote on Same-Sex Marriage this Week

In an interview with Brigitte magazine on Monday, Chancellor Angela Merkel stated that she was open to marriage for all when asked about same-sex marriage by an audience member. Following her comments of being open to a “vote of conscious,” Germany’s Parliament is ready to vote on the matter this Friday according to the magazine and CNN.

This is an important move since Merkel and her party have not had any interest in pushing the issue forward in the 12 years she has held the position of Chancellor. The upcoming election and pressure from the German LGBT community (as well as Merkel’s interactions with gay couples recently) is believed to have prompted the move.